David Macaulay & BIG DRAW

Cathedral, Castle, Mill, Pyramid, Mosque. What do these have in common? Yep, all buildings. Also, all names of books in my home bookshelf. Yep, I’m a big fan of author, David Macaulay, who wrote and illustrated masterfully all these books.

That is why, when I noticed the advertizement about BIG DRAW occuring at the National Building Museum on Saturday, I decided to attend. The author, David Macaulay, would be speaking. Plus, it was occurring at one of my favorite spaces in DC. I did have Saturday afternoon plans but Big Draw started at 10am. Yep, I was going!

Who is David Macaulay? Being married to an architect, we own all his tall, white paperback books – Cathedral, Castle, Mill, Pyramid, Mosque, City, Underground. In each, he tells the story, accompanied with brilliant black sketched drawings, of certain structures built on our planet.

So glad I went! He even signed a copy of Castle for my granddaughter!

PS – If you find yourself in DC, I definitely recommend a visit to the National Building Museum. Just stepping into the atrium space is worth a moment. Plus, they have a lovely gift shop. If you bring along kids, they will love the hands-on lego room! Plus, David Macaulay helped design the newest exhibit, Building Stories, which “brings kids and adults alike on an immersive exploration of the world of architecture, engineering, construction, and design found in the pages of children’s books.” 

What’s your favorite museum to visit?

8 thoughts on “David Macaulay & BIG DRAW

  1. margaretsmn says:

    One day when our grandchildren are old enough to really take it all in, we want to take them to D.C. Thanks for the nudge and the photos. Amazing.

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    • sallydonnelly11 says:

      Erika,

      I almost added to my slice that Erika and I should go this summer!! It’s very close to that MLK library where we met up last year. Once I finalize my plans, I’ll make a summer date with you if I’m in town!

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  2. Fran McCrackin says:

    Aw, I should have gone! I also love the Building Museum. I love how you begin and end with a question. And I can just picture that section of y’all, skinny white books on your shelf. I think the heart of this piece is what those books have meant to your family and how you are passing that on to Aden!

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  3. Denise Krebs says:

    Sally, that sounds like a wonderful event. Thanks for the advice to check out the National Building Museum. I love David McCauley’s illustration. I remember his Black and White book that won the Caldecott. I’m glad you got his autograph for Aden.

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  4. Glenda Funk says:

    Sally,

    I live vicariously through your journeys around D.C., and I’d love to have heard this presentation. I’m fascinated by architecture and own the newest edition of the guide to American home styles. Our buildings speak in ways words cannot. Thank you for sharing this experience and for the link. I’m now off to explore that virtual world.

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